Monsanto

Like an island in the sky, the stunning village of Monsanto towers high above the surrounding plains. Steep cobbled lanes lead to the heart of the village, where red-roofed stone houses sit wedged between giant grey boulders. It’s a strange and unique sight. To fully appreciate Monsanto’s rugged isolation, climb the shepherds’ paths to the abandoned hilltop castle, whose crumbling walls command vertiginous views in all directions. Walkers will also appreciate the network of hiking trails threading through the wooded expanses below.